Hull City manager backs former club Doncaster Rovers to last the pace

Darren Moore’s side are 10th but a messy table means they have two games in hand on some of those above, but have played one more than ninth-placed Accrington Stanley.

The way they made leaders Hull work for Wednesday’s win impressed manager McCann, who swapped the Keepmoat for the KCOM in the summer of 2019.

“Without a doubt they’re promotion contenders,” he said. “They’re one of the better teams in this league.

“Darren’s done a tremendous job. He’s got very good players – (Ben) Whiteman stands out and I’m sure he can play at the level above. They’re a very good team who play the right way, similar to us. I’m sure they’ll be around it come the end of the season.

“We’ve scored in every game, which is really pleasing, but I thought Doncaster defensively were really good.

“The win was pleasing but we’re just onto the next one and it’s another tough game.

“Oxford are in a false position. They’re another good football team, similar to Doncaster.”

Doncaster’s Josh Sims returned the compliment, saying of Hull: “They have something in them as a team that grind out results. All the best teams in every division have that so they’re worthy leaders at the moment.”

The winger is on loan from Southampton until January but would like to stay until the summer, when his Saints deal expires.

“One hundred per cent,” said the 23-year-old. “I’m playing regular football now – very, very regular football! – and I’m enjoying it.

“I will sit down with Southampton and Doncaster, weigh up my options and see what’s best for me when that time comes. It’s a big few months in my career.”